Would the Minister agree that our postal charges are already too high and that the formula laid out for the success of An Post was to increase the volume of postage which, unfortunately, has not happened, principally because of the poor quality of the postal service? Would the Minister state whether he is satisfied with that quality and if it is the poor quality of the service that has caused this increase?

We are having new matter injected here. This question deals with charges.

The quality of the service generally, on a comparative basis within Europe, is very high in terms of personal delivery to areas throughout the country. For instance, in many European countries rural residents must call for all their postal packets to a central post office whereas in Ireland we deliver throughout the country. There are also mandatory roadside letter boxes. There is a much higher population to be dealt with in Europe. It is unfair to make a direct comparison without bringing in these elements which affect the service. Having said that, I accept there is scope for improvement and that that improvement is obviously very important.

It is a disaster.

We must make some progress. I am calling Deputy O'Sullivan for a brief question. I am concerned about the lack of progress in relation to questions today. I again appeal for brevity. My earlier appeal is being ignored.